#MarriageMonday There is one marriage goal I haven’t accomplished after a quarter century of marriage. Every March I tell myself this could be the year, and so far I have been let down. All I want to do is beat out Judah’s March Madness bracket. I don’t care if I have the second to worst bracket on the planet as long as I beat him. Why? Because beating the person you love the most on this planet for an essentially meaningless competition just feels good. Do you have any healthy competition going in your family? PS- I’m not beneath begging. I will take any tips or insights you have for my bracket!
#MarriageMonday One of my favorite things about being married is going to bed with Judah, those moments of cuddling and talking over the day that was and getting on the same page for the next one. So it was odd that I was a little bothered when Judah came to bed last night. I responded by ignoring him and watching my YouTube makeup tutorial, I know…not ideal. I couldn’t figure out what was bothering me…we’ve been so close lately. Then I realized that I was completely drained from the day that was. Other than the incredible halftime show, the day was pretty draining. When I realized that, I communicated with Judah that I just had nothing left and that he did nothing wrong but I was going to go to sleep. He was sweet and understood. A few years ago this wouldn’t have gone so well. We wouldn’t have communicated and we both would have thought we were letting the other person down and been silently guilty. Take the lesson from us, and take time to communicate with each other even in moments when you don’t want to. It’ll go much better for both of you.
#MarriageMonday Here we are at the last Monday in February…don’t judge me but I have decided that my “New Year” is starting March 1st. Why you may ask? Well so far the start of the year has been complete chaos for a lot of reasons we don’t need to get into here. BUT the thing I have missed the most is our weekly date night. I had forgotten how much our weekly date connects us, settles us, and reminds us that we are a team. It is honestly the highlight of my entire week, so you’d better know that I am planning an incredible date for the reboot of our new year. How are you doing with your weekly connection? Do you need a reboot or a reprioritization? Join me and get a plan to start fresh in March! 📸 yes…this is is an old photo because we actually haven’t been on an date in 2025
#MarriageMonday from the archives. They say the hardest words to say are “I love you” and “I’m sorry” (anyone actually know who “they” are??). But I think “they” are wrong… at least for me? What are the hardest words for you to say to your spouse? For me, it is “I need …”. I need time with you. I need sex. I need you to just listen to me without giving answers. I need you. All these years into marriage and I still expect Judah to know what I need without me asking. But here is the most surprising part! Once I get over having to ask for what I need, it is just as fulfilling when it happens. Is there something you need to ask for from your spouse today?
#MarriageMonday Last week, I caught myself totally overreacting to a situation with Judah—you know, when something should be a level 3 annoyance, but you’re at a level 7 anger? Thankfully, Judah had the self-control to walk away, which gave me a moment to reflect. And I realized… my reaction wasn’t actually about what set me off. It was about something deeper—the thing behind the thing. And in that moment of understanding, I gave myself grace instead of beating myself up. Here’s the thing—why is it so hard to extend that same grace to our spouse when they act out? Maybe because we’re not giving it to ourselves. Or maybe because when we feel hurt, our instinct is to go on the defensive. Whatever the reason, imagine how much more peace we’d have at home if we made it a habit to pause, step back, and try to understand the thing behind the thing. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!
#MarriageMonday Do you remember the first time you and your spouse told each other, “I love you”? Judah accidentally said it at Applebees on our second date, but said it for real at his sisters wedding. Ahhh-my heart soared with those words! March 5 will be the 26 year anniversary of that declaration of love, and it surprises me how meaningful it is to still hear those words. It still matters when Judah pauses, looks me in the eye, and tells me he loves me. It is a simple act that can do so much. Why not be intentional this week with saying “I love you”.
#MarriageMonday “Whoever wants to embrace true life and find beauty in each day must stop speaking hurtful words.” -1 Peter 3:10, TPT Sometimes the simplest, most profound advice can be the hardest to walk out. While the above statement is relatable to any relationship, it is especially true in our marriages. We each have the power to make a choice about whether we find beauty or ugliness in each day simply through the words we speak. And what I love about this statement is that it doesn’t require us to say nice things; it simply tells us to stop saying hurtful things. It reminds me of the old saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Can you imagine what our marriages and world would look like if we practiced this ancient wisdom?
#MarriageMonday from the archives. Do you have a favorite worship song? I have a tie…my favorite classic hymn is “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and my favorite new-ish song is “How He Loves Us”. I like these songs because I have found that I actually grow the most in my relationship with God when I focus on how much he loves me and takes care of me. What if we applied the same idea to our marriages? I’m not talking about writing worship songs to our spouses-although that could be entertaining. What if we took time focusing, thinking about, and rehearsing how much they love us? We could remember times they took care of us and showed us their love. Last week I had an uncharacteristic, fall on the floor and cry my eyes out moment, and Judah literally got down on the ground with me, held me, and stroked my back. Every time I’ve thought about his caring response my heart is filled with love and gratitude for him, even if I was previously annoyed. What memories can you recall to intentionally focus on the love and care your spouse has for you?
What a fun, full, and fulfilling day! My first book: “I Do, Today” is officially here! 🙏🏼💛 Thank you so much for all the kinds words & encouraging messages!
I’m holding onto this with my whole heart. God is still moving, still healing, still showing up. In this season, we’re choosing hope, one step at a time. Let’s keep hoping, praying, and expecting… because He’s not done yet. 💛
I’m holding onto this with my whole heart. God is still moving, still healing, still showing up. In this season, we’re choosing hope, one step at a time. Let’s keep hoping, praying, and expecting… because He’s not done yet. 💛
I’m holding onto this with my whole heart. God is still moving, still healing, still showing up. In this season, we’re choosing hope, one step at a time. Let’s keep hoping, praying, and expecting… because He’s not done yet. 💛
The valley isn’t forever, and neither is the struggle. God’s leading you through, one step at a time.
Even in our mess, God’s love is the constant that pulls us back. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being loved. His grace is always bigger than our mistakes. 💛
#MarriageMonday Holy Week. Passion Week. The end of Lent. People from various faith backgrounds call this week before Easter many things, but we are all celebrating the historic fact that the person Jesus literally died on the cross and resurrected from the dead. What does that have to do with our marriages? This week should remind us that nothing is hopeless. Do you feel like your relationship can’t get out of the rut you’re in? Or that you’ve hurt each other too badly to truly trust again? Or maybe you don’t believe that you can ever change that painful habit. I am praying for you this week that hope will be restored as you look at the miracle of Easter. If there is anything specific that you are believing for, please DM me and I would be honored to stand with you in prayer!
And when we trust Him fully, we can let go of the pressure to have it all figured out. God is in control, and His timing is perfect. 🤍
WHAT IS EASTER? 🤍 Join us this Sunday in Seattle for a special message from @judahsmith at both 9AM 11AM at the Westin — and don’t miss our Easter Weekly Service, “Eight Days Later,” available now on the app and our YT channel.
Today, @chelseasmith opens up about her love of fiction reading, gathering around the dinner table as a family and relaxing every morning with a cup of fancy coffee and the Word of God. You’ll also discover how her 33-year marriage with judahsmith stays so strong and the top two resources that have defined her relationship with Jesus. Read more of Chelsea’s thought-provoking interview at the link in the bio.
Today, @chelseasmith opens up about her love of fiction reading, gathering around the dinner table as a family and relaxing every morning with a cup of fancy coffee and the Word of God. You’ll also discover how her 33-year marriage with judahsmith stays so strong and the top two resources that have defined her relationship with Jesus. Read more of Chelsea’s thought-provoking interview at the link in the bio.
Today, @chelseasmith opens up about her love of fiction reading, gathering around the dinner table as a family and relaxing every morning with a cup of fancy coffee and the Word of God. You’ll also discover how her 33-year marriage with judahsmith stays so strong and the top two resources that have defined her relationship with Jesus. Read more of Chelsea’s thought-provoking interview at the link in the bio.
Today, @chelseasmith opens up about her love of fiction reading, gathering around the dinner table as a family and relaxing every morning with a cup of fancy coffee and the Word of God. You’ll also discover how her 33-year marriage with judahsmith stays so strong and the top two resources that have defined her relationship with Jesus. Read more of Chelsea’s thought-provoking interview at the link in the bio.
I shared my 7 tips with Woman’s World Mag for keeping your marriage strong, fun, and stable…when the going gets even tougher. Thank you so much for having me @womansworldmag, “I Do” Today, officially out now!
I shared my 7 tips with Woman’s World Mag for keeping your marriage strong, fun, and stable…when the going gets even tougher. Thank you so much for having me @womansworldmag, “I Do” Today, officially out now!
We’re inviting God to show up today, not just in our hope, but in our doubt and unbelief too. He’s faithful to meet us right where we are. What part of your life are you asking Him to step into today? Listen to today’s Daily Guided Prayer on the @churchome app. 💛
